PROMO Observes World AIDS Day & Commends Gov. Nixon for Proclamation
ST. LOUIS - PROMO, Missouri's statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy organization, calls on all its members to join PROMO in the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2009. World AIDS Day is an annual program of the World AIDS Day Campaign of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), designed to unite worldwide and local efforts to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS and draw attention to the ongoing crisis. The 2009 theme for World AIDS Day, "I Am," highlights the battle against the disease and the need to improve services for those living with HIV/AIDS in a human rights framework.
A.J. Bockelman, Executive Director of PROMO, explains the importance of an ongoing commitment by LGBT people to support HIV/AIDS prevention and services work:
"When the HIV/AIDS crisis began 25 years ago, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people were at the forefront of a new movement demanding treatment, research, education and public compassion. In those early years, members of our community died at an alarming rate, and we still carry the grief of watching our friends and family members die and the frustration of knowing that LGBT people were woefully underserved in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs.
HIV/AIDS is now a global crisis that knows no barriers. While HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment has improved tremendously and the demographics have changed, there are still underserved communities who are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. In the United States, according to the CDC, youth under the age of 25 comprise half of all new HIV infections, people of color are diagnosed with AIDS at 10 times the rate of whites, and infection rates among women and young gay men are growing at rates not seen since the early days of the pandemic. Given our history with the HIV/AIDS crisis, the LGBT community and allies must stand in solidarity with those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. PROMO works to promote equality for ALL Missourians and encourages our members and friends to participate in their local World Aids Day activities."
PROMO also praised Governor Jay Nixon for issuing a Proclamation designating December 1, 2009 World AIDS Day in Missouri. While World AIDS Day Proclamations have been issued for many years in states across the country, Nixon's proclamation is the first of its kind in Missouri. Bockelman noted, "It is incredibly important for our Governor to acknowledge that in 2009, HIV/AIDS and access to services and prevention programs are critical issues in our state. We commend Governor Nixon for issuing the proclamation and taking a stand in the fight against HIV/AIDS."
